Punjab and Haryana agree to form Joint Committee to resolve SYL issue

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday made it unequivocally clear that the Punjab Government will not compromise on the State’s legitimate rights in the ongoing water dispute, while reiterating its commitment to resolving the long-pending Sutlej–Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue through dialogue and mutual understanding. The Chief Minister was speaking after a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, during which both states agreed to the formation of a Joint Committee to explore a mutually acceptable solution.

Maintaining a firm yet conciliatory tone, CM Mann said Punjab has neither surplus water to spare nor can it allow any dilution of its rightful share. “Not even a single drop of Punjab’s water will be permitted to be taken away. Water is our lifeline and the foundation of our agrarian economy. At the same time, as the elder brother of Haryana, Punjab does not wish to draw daggers with its neighbouring state and is keen on an early and amicable resolution of this sensitive issue,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister categorically stated that Punjab is not depriving any state of its rights. “Punjab has no surplus water to share. This is a hard reality that must be accepted. The SYL canal is an extremely emotive issue for the people of Punjab and any attempt to impose it will create serious law and order problems. Moreover, land for the SYL canal is not available in Punjab today,” he added.

Reaffirming Punjab’s constructive approach, CM Mann said both the Supreme Court and the Government of India have consistently stressed the need for a mutually agreed solution. “It is a positive development that both Punjab and Haryana have decided to join hands to end confrontation and work towards a settlement that respects the interests and sentiments of both states,” he said.

Highlighting the historical injustice in river water allocation, the Chief Minister pointed out that out of 34.34 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water from the three rivers, Punjab was allocated only 14.22 MAF, which is about 40 percent, while the remaining 60 percent was given to Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan, despite the fact that none of these rivers flow through those states. “Punjab has always acted in a large-hearted manner, but generosity cannot come at the cost of our own survival,” he remarked.

Expressing grave concern over the rapidly depleting water resources of the State, CM Mann said Punjab is facing a severe water crisis. “With shrinking surface water availability, excessive pressure is being put on groundwater. As many as 115 out of 153 blocks in Punjab have already been declared over-exploited. Punjab today has the highest rate of groundwater extraction in the country,” he warned.

Invoking the spirit of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, the Chief Minister said Punjab has always risen above narrow interests to serve the larger good of the nation. “Punjab gives nearly 60 percent of its river waters to non-riparian states, but when floods strike, Punjab alone bears the brunt of devastation. This imbalance must be acknowledged, and the rights of Punjab must be safeguarded,” he said.

Quoting Gurbani, CM Mann recited, “Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat,” and said that Sikh Guru Sahiban have taught humanity to revere air as the teacher, water as the father and land as the mother. “Our government is guided by these principles and is fully committed to protecting these priceless natural resources for future generations,” he added.

Calling the present dialogue a historic opportunity, the Chief Minister said, “For the first time in recent memory, both state governments are holding serious and sincere deliberations on this matter. This is not about winning or losing; it is about respecting the emotions of Punjab and Punjabis while ensuring justice for all.”

Describing water as the lifeline of both Punjab and Haryana, CM Mann proposed regular interactions between the officers of both states through a Joint Working Group. He expressed confidence that frequent meetings and sustained engagement would pave the way for a lasting and amicable solution. “This cooperative approach will not only resolve a decades-old dispute but will also usher in a new era of harmony, progress and prosperity for both states,” he said.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Irrigation Krishan Kumar and other senior officers.